DANBURY – Hillside Food Outreach, which has been committed to providing healthy, nutritious food to underserved community members since it was established in 1997 in Westchester County, has opened a larger space at 131 West St.
The move was made to continually respond to the critical need for food assistance in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam counties, and to help facilitate the delivery of food.
“We are growing and we knew this summer that we needed to look for a larger space to accommodate the increase in clients,” said Kathleen Purdy, executive director and founder of the organization.
Hillside Food Outreach is an essential food-to-client delivery organization that delivers high-quality, nutritious food to enable low-income, chronically ill, disabled and those who are otherwise unable to access a traditional food pantry.
Previously located at 21 Eagle Road in Danbury, the organization now has a larger, more workable space that offers numerous benefits, including a loading dock for large tractor trailers to easily access. That will allow Hillside to receive products from Wakefern/Shoprite. Also, it has two spacious freezers and refrigerators with over 4,000 square feet of storage space, in addition to a conference room and administrative offices.
Maura Ruby, president and CEO of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, appreciates that the nonprofit remains in Danbury.
“The new West Street site provides the added space and welcoming environment that enhances Hillside’s ability to extend a warm and supportive presence to our community,” Ruby said. “Hillside Food Outreach is a quality member of our Chamber and a vital community resource, providing nutritious food to families, seniors, and individuals in need.”
Ruby noted that as we are in the holiday and winter season, supporting Hillside Food Outreach is more important than ever.
“The Greater Danbury Chamber is proud to work alongside Hillside, regional partners, and community leaders to foster collaboration, amplify impact, and ensure that those in need across the Greater Danbury region receive the support they deserve,” she said.
When Hillside was first established, it served only a few seniors. Today it reaches 1,121 households and 2,450 individuals. On average, it serves 367 households and 792 individuals in Fairfield County; 88 households and 148 individuals in Putnam County; and 664 households and 1503 individuals in Westchester County.
“Our clients vary from young mothers to struggling working families, and people suffering with illnesses that are affected by their diets, such as diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses,” Purdy said as she explained referrals come from 400+ “help” agencies. “We truly believe all people, regardless of their situation, should have the opportunity to eat healthy.
“They call us when they have a client in need who cannot access a pantry. We get calls from clinics, hospitals, doctors about people who might be able to access a pantry but when they get there, they find there’s nothing they can eat.”
The nonprofit delivers high quality, nutrient-dense food, including whole grains, dairy, produce and proteins, fresh and frozen vegetables, canned goods, and shelf-stable packaged food. “We also offer salmon, tilapia and chicken,” Purdy added. “We stress frozen vegetables as they are more nutritious and last longer for our clients,” said Purdy. Food is also purchased from Shoprite/Wakefern Corporation, Ace Endico, and occasionally from a food bank.”
A team of over 470 volunteers provides the home deliveries once a month, providing them with two weeks of groceries. Emergency deliveries are also provided with food being delivered to a household within 24 hours.
“Each delivery team goes to the same household each month so that the client gets to know them,” said Purdy who is proud of the nonprofit that she started in honor of her grandmother Mary Long’s efforts to feed her neighbors.
“It was in my grandmother’s DNA to help those around her who needed help, no matter who they were or what their struggle was. I started to do this because I didn’t want the burden on my grandmother,” she said. “I delivered to her neighbors for five years and got to know them. It broke my heart – wonderful elderly people who worked hard all their lives and now couldn’t afford food, medicine, rent, etc.
“Some of them isolated themselves from others as they were embarrassed of their situation. In some cases, my monthly visit was all they had. We actually still deliver to that same senior building today”
Today, 28 years later, Hillside Food Outreach operates much in the same way.
“Our volunteers don’t get more than six households so that, if they choose, they have time to stop and visit with the client,” Purdy said. “We’ve seen hundreds of beautiful friendships develop over the years. My grandma would be very proud of what she started.”
